Guideline for Developing the Potential of Container Terminal Operators in Surat Thani Province

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed to 1) study activities in container terminal operators in Surat Thani Province; 2) analyze capabilities of container terminal operators in Surat Thani; and 3) develop the capabilities of container terminal operators in Surat Thani. The data was collected by interviews. The 10 samples consisting of executives and officers at the container terminals in Surat Thani Province were selected using purposive sampling method. The data was analyzed for strengths and weaknesses, and guidelines for developing the potential of cargo terminals in Surat Thani Province were developed using the TOWS Matrix. The results found that: 1) container terminal activities consisted of service requests, sales and marketing, booking of vessel space, container inspection, coordination and confirmation of container shipping information, container transport by trailer, container loading, container transport, and cost summarization. 2) The potential of the container terminal had 7 strengths, 6 weaknesses, 5 opportunities, and 6 issues and obstacles. There were 4 strategies to develop potential for container terminals in Surat Thani Province. First, proactive strategies include establishing operational guidelines for safety and developing an analysis application. Second, defensive strategies include establishing operational standards for each step and developing an information and communication technology system. Third, corrective strategies include creating a development plan to improve operational processes and establishing a database for machinery and handling equipment. Last, adaptive strategies include setting operational cost management strategies by applying Lean principles and proactively creating a disaster risk management plan. This knowledge of various strategies can be applied by any stakeholders.